News Summary
Andrew Kyle White, a 37-year-old resident of San Diego, has pleaded guilty to unauthorized landings on a Navy airstrip and theft of government property. He illegally landed a small airplane on San Clemente Island and stole a Navy truck, resulting in significant damages and costs for taxpayers. White has been in federal custody since cutting off his ankle monitor earlier this year. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 29, where he faces up to 10.5 years in prison. This case highlights serious concerns regarding unauthorized access to military facilities.
San Diego – A 37-year-old San Diego resident, Andrew Kyle White, has pleaded guilty in a federal court in Los Angeles to charges related to unauthorized landings on a Navy airstrip and theft of government property. White faces significant consequences as he was found to have illegally landed a small airplane on San Clemente Island on two occasions.
In accordance with his plea agreement, White admitted to committing a felony theft of government property, with an amount exceeding $1,000, alongside a misdemeanor count for illegal entry into a naval installation. He has been in federal custody since he cut off an ankle monitoring bracelet earlier this year, indicating a failure to comply with previous legal restrictions.
San Clemente Island, which falls within Los Angeles County, is owned and operated by the Navy as part of the operational facilities at Naval Base Coronado. White was aware of the illegal nature of his actions, which included unauthorized access to the island without prior government approval.
The first of his illegal landings occurred on October 29, 2023, when he piloted a Glastar airplane onto the island without permission. His second unlawful entry occurred in April, during which he stole a Navy-owned white Ford F-150 truck valued at nearly $16,000. White later admitted to using the truck to forcefully ram through locked gates on the island, resulting in damages that exceeded $8,000, including the costs associated with towing.
White’s actions have led to financial repercussions for taxpayers, with an estimated loss of nearly $500,000 incurred due to the military’s response to his offenses. The military engaged in a comprehensive lockdown and search operation, spending about 500 man-hours to locate and address the intrusion.
The guilty plea puts White on the path to facing serious sentencing. U.S. District Judge Otis D. Wright II has scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 29, where White may face a maximum of 10 and a half years in federal prison. This pending decision underscores the gravity of the incidents, as both unauthorized entry and theft from a military installation carry severe penalties within the federal legal framework.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of securing military facilities and the lengths to which individuals may go in compromising national security. White’s case serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences that follow unauthorized actions within sensitive government properties.
With the sentencing hearing approaching, legal authorities will be keenly observing the outcomes of this case, particularly given its implications for future enforcement against similar offenses within military jurisdictions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Wikipedia: San Clemente Island
- NBC News
- Google Search: military security incidents
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Scholar: military theft legal consequences
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: military law
- CNN
- Google News: San Diego Navy theft
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
